Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh bread baking in your kitchen, especially when it’s topped with garlic and Parmesan! This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is soft, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even for making sandwiches. The dough is made with minimal effort—just let it rest overnight in the fridge, then bake to golden perfection. With a crispy crust, fluffy center, and a delicious topping of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, this focaccia is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 1/8 teaspoon instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• Olive oil (for greasing and drizzling)

For the Topping:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅔ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Maldon flaked sea salt (for topping)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a glass bowl, combine the bread flour and kosher salt. Set it aside.
2. In a separate glass measuring cup, mix the warm water, instant yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 1 minute, just until it becomes slightly foamy.
3. Stir the yeast mixture into the flour using a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight. This long chill will give the dough time to develop flavor and texture.

Step 2: Shape and Rise the Dough

1. The next day, remove the dough from the refrigerator.
2. Drizzle olive oil into an 8-inch round cake pan to grease it well. Place the dough in the center, tucking the ends underneath to create a smooth top.
3. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 2 hours. The dough should spread and fill the pan during this time.

Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Focaccia

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Once the dough has risen and fills the pan, drizzle additional olive oil generously over the top.
3. Using your fingers, press holes into the dough, making sure to press all the way down to the bottom without going through the dough. This gives focaccia its signature dimpled look.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning.
5. Sprinkle the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of the dough. Finish with a sprinkle of Maldon flaked sea salt for added texture and flavor.
6. Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the focaccia is golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 4: Serve

Once the focaccia is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm as a side for pasta, soups, or salads, or use it as a base for sandwiches.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours
• Rise Time: 2 hours
• Baking Time: 22-24 minutes
• Total Time: 10 hours 34 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 240 kcal per slice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Overnight Dough: The overnight rest gives the dough time to develop a great texture and flavor with very little effort on your part.
• Flavor-Packed Topping: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning makes this focaccia irresistible. The Maldon sea salt adds a delightful crunch!
• Versatile: This focaccia is perfect as a side dish or a base for sandwiches. It also pairs well with soups, salads, or can simply be enjoyed on its own.

Tips for Success:

• Make it Ahead: The dough can rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making this a great make-ahead option for busy schedules.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese give the best flavor to this bread.
• Customize: Feel free to add other toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or rosemary for extra flavor.

This Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread is simple yet delicious, with a chewy inside and crispy outside. Whether served with your favorite meal or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to be a hit!

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